DENVER—The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), the High Performance Transportation Enterprise (HPTE) and private project partner Plenary Roads Denver today announced that more than 100,000 switchable HOV transponders have been distributed to date. The switchable HOV transponders provide commuters the option to choose their move—whether it is using in toll mode or carpooling on CDOT's HOV Express Lanes on US 36 and I-25.

"Drivers want choices when they commute. The more than 100,000 vehicles with a switchable HOV transponder can choose between carpooling for free on US 36 and I-25 Express Lanes, or paying a toll on any regional toll road, including the Mountain Express Lane," HPTE Director David Spector said. "CDOT's Express Lanes are helping to move more people, using more options, to arrive at their destination faster."

By sliding the switch to the red "HOV" position, drivers are not charged a toll and can drive in the Express Lane for free, as long as they have a driver plus one additional passenger on CDOT's HOV Express Lanes.

Starting Jan. 1, 2017, the HOV requirement will change to HOV 3+, or a driver plus two passengers. CDOT is working to help commuters find an additional passenger to carpool or use a different mode of travel, such as transit, and other options. CDOT will also be making the switchable HOV transponder free to all commuters who will only carpool. Learn more.

"We've seen a growing number of commuters taking advantage of the new Express Lanes and using transponders," said Terry Ostrom of Plenary Roads Denver. "As a result, traffic is moving more smoothly along the busy US 36 corridor."

CDOT's HOV commuters must have an ExpressToll account and switchable HOV transponder to indicate their status as HOV users and not receive a toll charge. The pass saves single drivers money by not having to pay a license plate surcharge, and it can be used for tolls on all of Colorado's Express Lanes, the Northwest Parkway and E-470. Drivers always have a choice to use the Express Lanes or to choose the two free general purpose lanes. CDOT offers HOV on US 36, and on the Central and North I-25 Express Lanes.